Shigar Fort
A restored Balti fort and palace, now a heritage hotel and museum, with gardens and a good café.
Baltistan · Gilgit-Baltistan
Shigar Valley
Orchards, forts and the road to Askole
April – October
2,300 m
Custom trips only
The place
About Shigar Valley
Shigar is a green valley about an hour from Skardu, known for its orchards, old wooden houses and the restored Shigar Fort. It is also the road toward Askole, the last village before the great Baltoro treks to K2 and Concordia.
The valley makes an easy half-day or full-day trip from Skardu. Walk through the fort, visit the old mosque and stop in the bazaar before returning along the Shigar River.
What to see
Places to visit
Khilingrong Mosque
An old wooden mosque in the valley, a quiet example of Balti craftsmanship.
Shigar orchards and bazaar
Apricot orchards, old houses and a small bazaar where you can buy local produce.
Askole road
The valley road continues toward Askole, the trailhead for K2 and Concordia expeditions.
Logistics
Getting there
Routes, roads and timing
Shigar is roughly 30 to 35 km from Skardu, about 1 to 1.5 hours by road. We can arrange a private car and guide as a half-day trip or include it on the way to Khaplu.
Trip options
Ask for a custom route
Trips to Shigar Valley
No listed trip at the moment
We still run private journeys here. Share your dates and we will quote a route with current road and weather conditions in mind.
Good to know
Questions about Shigar Valley
How far is Shigar from Skardu?
About 30 to 35 km, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road. It works well as a half-day trip.
Can I stay in Shigar Fort?
Shigar Fort operates as a heritage guesthouse. We can check availability and include a night there in a custom itinerary.
Is Shigar worth visiting in winter?
The valley is quieter and colder in winter, and some services close. Spring blossom and summer greenery are the best seasons for a visit.
Keep exploring
Add another valley to the route.
Most journeys here link two or three destinations. We can connect Shigar Valley with Deosai, Hunza, Shigar or Khaplu in one sensible loop.